1. Hacienda Sydney

A post shared by Hacienda Sydney (@haciendasydney) on May 29, 2018 at 3:28pm PDT

For the best views of the Vivid lights in Sydney and a cocktail that will quite literally light up your night, reserve a table at Hacienda Sydney. Their bartenders have created the Light’er Up cocktail which will be exclusively available during the Vivid period. A delicious concoction of Vodka, lemon juice, lavender syrup, raspberry syrup, blue pea flower and edible flowers, the cocktail is finished by lighting the passionfruit garnish on fire. Find out more...

2. Hotel Palisade

Considering it was once considered the highest building in Sydney, Hotel Palisade is all about sweet views and strong cocktails. Henry Deane, the crown jewel of Hotel Palisade, is spread across levels four and five and offers a delicious food and drink menu featuring cheese, seafood, and champagne galore. Hotel Palisade is also located in the heart of Millers Point, giving you the perfect vantage point to soak in the harbour light shows to your heart's content. Find out more...

3. Zaaffran

If you really want to get into the thick of Vivid this year, avoid the crowds on the street, and nab yourself a seat at Indian hotspot Zaaffran. Located inside Sydney's convenient Harbourside Shopping Centre, Zaaffran is one of the hub's restaurants offering a $30 menu special during this year's Vivid which features talilee macchlee, crispy humpty doo barra, thakkali chutney, masala chips, kulfi, and a bottle of kingfisher beer....and how's that view? Find out more...

Why not enjoy Vivid's epic lights in style this year, at Q Dining in the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour. For $79 per head (or $109 with matching wines) you can dine on three courses of stracciatella, pepper crusted lamb rump and tangy meringue while experiencing a kaleidoscope of colours lighting up Sydney's sky. Find out more...

5. Opera Bar

A post shared by Opera Bar (@operabarsydney) on May 30, 2018 at 12:48am PDT

This year, Sydney's iconic Opera House has been lit up with a series of kinetic digital sculptures designed by artist Jonathan Zawada. It's also hosting a range Vivid acts including Solange, Cat Power, and Ice Cube just to name a few. So, if you're keen to watch the lighting of the sails, or you need a spot to pre-drink before the show, why not head down to Opera Bar? Bask in the illuminated beer garden while you enjoy a neon-inspired menu of colourful cocktails and live music daily. Find out more...

The facade of Sydney's MCA has been given the Vivid treatment this year with a large-scale projection from artist Jonny Niesche. What better way to immerse yourself in the art than at MCA's rooftop bar? From 5-9pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during Vivid, the Bombay Sapphire x MCA pop-up bar offers glowing drinks and incredible views of the spectacular light installations. From Friday May 25 to Saturday June 16, you can escape the crowds and warm your soul with mulled wine and comfort food at the GRAZE MCA Vivid pop-up bar. Find out more...

7. The Argyle

A post shared by The Argyle (@theargylerocks) on May 16, 2018 at 6:46pm PDT

Celebrate the end of Vivid with a BANG at The Argyle's Neon Jungle party on June 15. For one night only, The Argyle will be transformed into a "mysterious and luminiously lit labyrinth, awash with amazing creatures of the night lurking and ready to delight you." Wash down share plates and sides, pizzas and burgers with a range of delicious iridescent cocktails while you take in the views for one last time. Find out more...

You don't have to live in the city to enjoy all of Vivid's festivities. This year, the Chatswood precinct presents Lightscape, a free outdoor installation that combines art exhibitions with fashion and food over the course of the festival. 20 food stalls, made from recycled materials to resemble a makeshift town, will offer treats from your favourites including Mary's burgers, Black Star Pastry and gelato from Enmore's Cow & the Moon. Find out more...